Can I finance more than one asset, or set up a master facility? (Asset finance)

Short answer: Yes — many lenders and brokers we work with can finance multiple assets or create a master/portfolio facility that covers a fleet, groups of machines or a programme of phased purchases. Read on for how master facilities work, who typically qualifies, costs, pros and cons and how UK Business Loans can match your business to the right partners for a free, no‑obligation eligibility check and quotes.

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What is a master facility (and when is it better than individual agreements)?

A master facility (also called a portfolio, umbrella or framework facility) is a single lending agreement that covers multiple assets. Instead of separate hire‑purchase or finance lease agreements for each item, the master agreement holds schedules or drawdowns listing individual assets as they are acquired.

Common uses:

• Fleet purchases or staggered vehicle replacements for transport and logistics businesses;
• Phased plant and machinery purchases for construction or manufacturing;
• Consolidating existing asset finance into one facility for easier reporting and covenant management;
• Programmes where you expect to add assets regularly (e.g., planned renewals over 2–5 years).

When it’s preferable: if you want administrative simplicity, easier top-ups, centralised covenants and potential fee savings compared with repeating arrangement and valuation fees for each separate deal.

How multiple-asset financing works in practice

Typical structures

• Single master agreement with schedules: a main contract with asset schedules for each item added.
• Revolving asset facility: you draw down against a facility limit and swap assets in and out subject to valuation rules.
• Bundled hire purchase or leases: several hire‑purchase/lease contracts administered under a single facility for reporting and covenants.
• Asset-backed loan: a loan secured against a pool of assets rather than each item individually.

Key elements lenders look at

• Asset details: type, age, condition, expected life and residual/salvage value.
• Use and sector: how the assets will be used (e.g., HGVs on long hauls vs light vans) and industry risk.
• Business profile: turnover, profitability, cashflow and director track record.
• Security & guarantees: whether the lender requires company or personal guarantees, cross‑security or floating charges.
• Tax and VAT: whether VAT is reclaimable (VAT-registered businesses) and whether the deal is capital or operating for accounting/tax purposes.

Example scenarios

• A small construction firm plans to buy three diggers and two telehandlers over 12 months — a master facility lets them add assets to the schedule as deliveries arrive.
• A logistics operator renewing a 10‑van fleet over 18 months can set a facility limit and drawdown for batches, keeping one agreement and consistent terms.

For more on how asset finance covers different asset types, see our asset finance overview page on asset finance.

Can UK Business Loans partners set up master facilities or finance several assets?

Yes. UK Business Loans introduces businesses to specialist brokers and lenders who regularly arrange multi‑asset and master facilities. We do not lend ourselves — we match you to partners experienced in portfolio and fleet finance.

How it works in practice:

1. You complete a short enquiry with details of your business and the assets (takes around 2 minutes).
2. We match you to one or more brokers/lenders with appetite for master/portfolio arrangements.
3. Those partners contact you to clarify terms and provide a no‑obligation quote.

Our matching is free and designed to speed up the process — many businesses receive initial contact within hours. UK Business Loans acts as an introducer only and does not provide regulated financial advice.

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Eligibility: who can usually set up a master facility?

Eligibility varies by lender, but typical criteria include:

• Turnover: many mainstream lenders prefer established businesses with turnover from around £100k, though specialist lenders may consider smaller firms.
• Asset value: combined assets commonly start at around £10,000+ — we typically work with opportunities from £10k upwards.
• Sector fit: transport, construction, manufacturing, farming and logistics are common good fits because assets are tangible with predictable values.
• Asset condition: lenders prefer reasonably modern, insurable and well‑maintained assets; very old or bespoke assets can be harder to include.

Poor fit or red flags: weak financials, unclear ownership, uninsurable or severely worn assets. Even then, specialist brokers sometimes find solutions — submit an enquiry to find out without affecting your credit record.

Costs, terms and common pricing structures

Costs and structures vary. Typical items to expect:

• Pricing models: fixed interest, variable rates, lease rentals, hire‑purchase monthly payments, or blended rates across the facility.
• Residuals/balloons: some leases include a final balloon or residual value per asset.
• Fees: arrangement fees, valuations, legal fees and occasionally monitoring or facility management fees — master facilities can reduce repeated fees per asset.
• Terms: vehicle terms commonly 2–5 years, machinery 3–7 years depending on useful life.
• Early repayment & upgrades: master facilities often include processes for early settlement, part‑exchanges or upgrades, but charges may apply.

Tax & VAT: VAT treatment depends on whether you lease or purchase and whether you’re VAT-registered. Lenders/brokers can explain tax treatment, and we recommend taking tax advice from your accountant.

Pros and cons of master facility vs individual funding

When to choose which: choose a master facility if you have ongoing purchases or a fleet; choose individual agreements for one‑off purchases where you don’t expect future additions and want asset‑level separation.

How to prepare your business for multi‑asset / master facility finance

Checklist to speed approvals:

• Complete asset list: make, model, age, mileage/hours, condition and supplier quotes or pro forma invoices.
• Financials: latest accounts, management accounts, cashflow forecast and VAT records if applicable.
• Contracts showing asset use (e.g., haulage contracts), if available.
• Insurance and maintenance plans ready (lenders will typically require adequate insurance).
• Clear ownership/registration and disclosure of any existing encumbrances.

Start Your Enquiry (2 minutes) — it’s free, and submitting does not affect your credit score.

How UK Business Loans matches you to the right partners (process)

1. Complete our quick enquiry form (approx. 2 minutes).
2. We match your details to 1–3 suitable brokers or lenders with appetite for multi‑asset or master facilities.
3. Brokers/lenders contact you with tailored quotes and next steps.
4. You compare offers and decide — UK Business Loans does not charge and you’re under no obligation.

Submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit file. Any formal checks are done by the lender or broker when you apply.

FAQs

Can I add assets later to a master facility?

Often yes. Many master facilities are designed to accept additions subject to facility limits and lender approval. Your broker can negotiate flexibility when the facility is set up.

Will I need to provide personal guarantees?

Sometimes. Guarantee requirements depend on business size, credit profile and lender risk appetite. Brokers often negotiate limits to personal exposure or identify lenders with lower guarantee requirements.

How long until funding is available?

Timings vary: initial indications can arrive within hours of enquiry; formal offers typically take days to weeks depending on asset complexity and documentation.

Are different asset types accepted in one facility?

Many lenders accept mixed asset types (vehicles, plant, machinery). Acceptance depends on valuation methods and whether the lender is comfortable with mixed security.

Will quotes show total cost and fees?

Yes — brokers and lenders should provide total cost of credit, arrangement fees and any early‑repayment charges. Always ask for a full cost breakdown before signing.

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Next steps — Get a free eligibility check and quotes

Ready to explore master asset finance? Complete our short enquiry for a free eligibility check. We’ll match you to brokers and lenders who can quote on multi‑asset and master facilities — no obligation and no impact to your credit score.

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Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer and is not a lender or regulated financial adviser. We arrange introductions to brokers and lenders who provide finance. Any finance offered will be from those third parties and will be subject to their terms, conditions and checks. We do not provide regulated financial advice.

Related reading & internal links

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Author: UK Business Loans content team. We connect UK businesses to trusted brokers and lenders and have experience arranging asset finance and master facilities for firms across construction, transport, manufacturing and agriculture. Our service is free and no obligation; we help you find the best partners to suit your needs.

Privacy note: By submitting an enquiry you consent to your details being shared with carefully selected lenders and brokers. Submitting a Quick Enquiry will not affect your credit rating. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information.

1. What is a master facility for asset finance and how does it work?
A master facility is a single umbrella agreement that lets you add multiple assets via schedules or drawdowns so you can manage fleet or phased purchases under one contract.

2. Can I add assets later to a master or multi‑asset finance facility?
Yes — most master facilities allow assets to be added later subject to the facility limit and lender approval, with brokers often negotiating flexible add‑on terms.

3. Can different asset types (vehicles, plant, machinery) be financed in one facility?
Many lenders will accept mixed asset types in a single facility, but acceptance depends on lender appetite, valuation approach and how assets are secured.

4. What minimum asset value or turnover do lenders usually require for a master facility?
Typical requirements vary, but many lenders look for combined asset values from around £10,000+ and businesses with turnover often starting around £100k, while specialist lenders may consider smaller opportunities.

5. Will submitting an enquiry with UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score; formal credit checks are only carried out by lenders or brokers if you proceed with an application.

6. Will I need to provide personal guarantees for multi‑asset or master facility finance?
Sometimes — guarantee and security requirements depend on your business profile, credit history and lender risk appetite, and brokers can often negotiate limits or find lenders with lower guarantee needs.

7. What fees, interest and costs should I expect with master facility asset finance?
Expect arrangement fees, valuations, interest or lease rentals, possible residual/balloon charges and occasional facility management fees, though a master facility can reduce repeated per‑asset fees.

8. How long does it take to get initial quotes and funding for asset finance or a master facility?
You can often receive initial contact and indicative quotes within hours of enquiring, while formal offers and funding typically take days to weeks depending on asset complexity and documentation.

9. How is VAT and tax treated on asset finance for fleets and equipment?
VAT treatment depends on whether you purchase or lease the asset and whether your business is VAT‑registered, so you should discuss specifics with your lender/broker and your accountant.

10. How do I prepare my business to apply for multi‑asset or master facility finance?
Prepare an asset list (make/model/age/values), supplier quotes, recent accounts and cashflow forecasts, insurance and ownership records to speed up lender assessments.